There are many advantages to building houses from steel, but one that is often overlooked is the benefits of steel frame housing in colder climates and seasons.
Built well, there is no reason why steel frame housing should be colder than its timber framed equivalent. In fact, there are ways to make a steel frame house even warmer.
This begins with the design and location of the house itself. Smaller rooms are easier to keep warm, while a south-facing aspect will expose the structure to more sunlight for a natural heating effect.
Insulation around the steel frame can help to retain heat, as well as reducing the risk of problems such as damp, mould and condensation, to keep the building at its best for as long as possible.
Durability in winter weather
Long-term exposure to rough winter weather can cause problems with wood framed houses. Over time, the wood may start to warp or twist, horizontal beams can start to sag, and rot can set in.
Steel has none of those problems. Its high strength and reliability mean that in a domestic construction, it is unlikely to deteriorate in any significant way for many, many years.
Because steel does not warp as easily as wood, you are less likely to encounter draughty window frames and doorways, helping to keep the heat inside and reduce the cost of utility bills.
Together, this all adds up to long-term economical home heating, dispelling the myth that metal framed houses are inherently cold.
Other vulnerabilities
There are also certain other vulnerabilities that timber framed houses can suffer from, which are less of a problem when you build a house out of steel.
Pest infestations are one of these. Whether it’s insects setting up home in the wood, or birds nesting in the rafters, getting rid of animals that have made your home their own can be a nightmarish task.
Building with steel eliminates this problem. While it’s still possible a bird might find your attic a tempting place to build a nest, it’s much less likely to want to roost on a steel girder, and it’s almost a sure bet that insects will not try to move in either.
There are many reasons why home-owners might prefer a steel-frame house over a traditional wooden building. To learn more about building with structural steel or place an order, contact us today.
